Air Traffic Control Officer

Cranfield University; Bedford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Bedford is seeking an Air Traffic Controller to join its airport operations team. The role involves providing Air Traffic Services, coordinating support staff, and liaising with various authorities to ensure smooth airport operations. Candidates must hold an Air Traffic Controller’s Licence, possess ICAO Level 4 English, and a Class 3 medical. The institution values diversity and encourages a collaborative work environment. Applications close on 18 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Holds an Air Traffic Controller’s Licence with ADI rating.
• ICAO Level 4 English proficiency as a minimum.
• Possesses a CAA Class 3 medical certificate.

Responsibilities

• Provide Air Traffic Services in accordance with regulations.
• Coordinate and deploy support staff and operators.
• Liaise with the Aerodrome Authority on operational matters.

Skills

Flexible and resilient

Well-developed communication skills

Education

Air Traffic Controller’s Licence with ADI rating

ICAO Level 4 English

CAA Class 3 medical

Tools

Met Observer’s qualification

Operational experience in Class G environment

Project experience

Job description

We currently have an excellent opportunity for an Air Traffic Control officer to work efficiently within a small airport team including Operations, Safety, Air Traffic Control, Engineering, Fire Fighting, and FBO sections, whilst prioritising safety.

About Cranfield Airport Operations Limited

Cranfield Airport is located between Bedford and the City of Milton Keynes and has annual movements of circa 35,000. The Airport provides Aerodrome and Procedural Approach control from the UK’s first operational digital control tower, which opened in December 2018. A project to install and commission surveillance radar is in progress, with commissioning due in 2025.

Situated in busy Class G airspace, Cranfield manages a variety of traffic types, ranging from single engine training aircraft to BAe146 and ATR-72, and is home to several companies which provide commercial flight training, maintenance, and research and testing for industry and government projects.

About the Role

As an integral part of the tower team, the Air Traffic Controller will provide ATS in accordance with regulation, and be pivotal in the coordination and deployment of the support staff and operators across the business. In addition, you will liaise with the Aerodrome Authority on operational matters, and support the SATCO and Airport Manager, as required, in the smooth running of the airport.

About You

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing airport and provide a safety critical function within the airport business. To be successful in this role, you must hold an Air Traffic Controller’s Licence with ADI rating, ICAO Level 4 English as a minimum, and a CAA Class 3 medical, and will be expected to maintain this standard for the duration of your employment. You will be a flexible, resilient individual with well-developed communication skills, able to cope with the pressures and demands of this safety critical role and adapt your approach to different customers you will meet.

APP and APS ratings, OJTI and Assessor endorsements are desirable. It would be advantageous if you could further contribute to the business by having a Met Observer’s qualification, operational experience in a Class G environment, or project experience.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS Criminal Record check and provide a significant work reference history. Please note that interviews may take place outside of normal business hours and may take place online.

At Cranfield, we value Diversity and Inclusion, and aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect and realise their full potential.

How to Apply

Please contact us for further details on E: [e-mail]. Please quote reference number 5168.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 18 January 2026